Deadline nears for agriculture photo contest

The end of the year is nearing, which means time is running out to enter the 15th annual "Colorado... It's AgriCultural" photography contest. Entries must be postmarked by Dec. 31.

"I get so excited to see the entries roll in this time of year," said Wendy White, marketing specialist for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. "I'm always amazed at how photographers creatively capture the spirit of Colorado agriculture."

Entries must be submitted to the Colorado Department of Agriculture with an official entry form by Dec. 31. All photographs must be taken in the 2012 calendar year and must relate to Colorado agriculture in some way. Prizes will be awarded in five subject areas: agritourism, crops, livestock, people and open professional. Amateur and professional photographers are encouraged to enter, but professionals may only enter agriculture-related photographs in the "open professional" category.

Judging will be based on theme, creativity and technical quality. The photographer whose picture best depicts the "spirit" of Colorado agriculture will receive $150, and category winners will receive a "Colorado... It's AgriCultural" prize pack. All winning photographs will be displayed in the Beede-Hamil Agriculture Building at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling.